THE organisers behind Stirling Pride have hit out at “unacceptable” homophobic and transphobic comments made by “religious individuals” following the announcement of two Pride church services.
Stirling Pride organisers have apologised to anyone who may have been affected by comments made by individuals in response to the organisation's social media post on Monday.
The organisation had announced on Monday that a Stirling Pride Service would be held at the Holy Trinity Church in the city on August 30 and another on the same Sunday at St Mary's Episcopal Church in Dunblane.
“All are welcome irrespective of your religion or none. This is a beautifully reflective moment to come together, celebrate Pride and reflect on the incredible Pride weekend,” the post on Facebook read.
Following the announcement, Stirling Pride had to restrict comments on the post after a wave of bigoted messages were left by a number of people against the Pride church services.
A spokesperson for Stirling Pride has condemned the comments, which have since been deleted, stating that churches and religious groups share their values and are “working hard” to make their relationships with LGBT+ communities more inclusive.
A statement posted by a Stirling Pride spokesperson on Tuesday said: “We are incredibly saddened to have to restrict comments on our Pride Service post from yesterday.
“The levels of homophobia and transphobia on display from apparently ‘religious’ individuals was unacceptable. We want to apologise to anyone that has read these comments and been affected by them in any way.”
It added: “Stirling Pride is deeply proud of the links and connections we have made with local churches across Stirling. We are acutely aware of the difficult relationship between organised religion and the LGBTQ+ community. The harm that churches have caused to our community is enormous.
“This is why we are so keen not to shy away from working with churches and religious groups who share our values. The churches we work with see the wrongs of the past and are working hard to change their church's relationship to LGBTQ+ people from the inside.
“They celebrate LGBTQ+ people through services and year round activities, they will marry LGBTQ+ people and they will not see any LGBTQ+ person suffer or be harmed.”
The post went on to say the Pride service has become an “important part” of the organisation's annual programme and that it has been a “cathartic” moment for many in the LGBT+ community to be welcomed within a church.
Organisers said the services reflect the “true meaning” of Pride as they represent equality, love and acceptance.
The statement concluded: “We want to thank the churches and religious groups that work with us, listen to us and support Pride.
“We will always work with those who are actively working for the LGBTQ+ community without judgement and with love at the core of their religious beliefs.”
More than 7000 attended Stirling’s first-ever Pride event in 2024, with a further 8000 joining the celebrations in 2025.
This year’s Stirling Pride event will be held on August 29 in the City Centre.
